Are you ready to embrace the cozy flavors of autumn? This creamy pumpkin soup recipe, elevated with the richness of evaporated milk and a subtle touch of coconut, is the perfect comforting meal for a chilly evening. It's surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner cooks, and bursting with delicious, healthy ingredients. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this simple yet elegant dish! This recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree
- 1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup coconut milk (full-fat recommended)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: toasted pumpkin seeds, a dollop of sour cream or coconut cream, chopped cilantro
Instructions:
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Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This step builds a delicious base of flavor for your soup.
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Combine Ingredients: Add the pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, vegetable broth, and coconut milk to the pot. Stir in the cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Simmer to Perfection: Bring the soup to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. The longer it simmers, the richer the taste will become.
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Blend (Optional): If you prefer a smoother soup, carefully use an immersion blender to blend the soup until creamy. Alternatively, you can carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender. Remember to vent the lid to avoid pressure buildup.
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Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings, such as toasted pumpkin seeds, a dollop of sour cream or coconut cream, or some fresh chopped cilantro.
Tips for the Best Pumpkin Soup:
- Roast your pumpkin: For an even deeper pumpkin flavor, roast your pumpkin before pureeing it. Simply cube it, toss it with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast at 400°F (200°C) until tender.
- Spice it up: Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a touch of heat, or experiment with other warming spices like cardamom or allspice.
- Make it vegan: Ensure your vegetable broth and any toppings are vegan-friendly to make this recipe entirely plant-based.
Variations:
- Spicy Pumpkin Soup: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Curried Pumpkin Soup: Stir in 1-2 tablespoons of curry powder for an exotic twist.
- Creamy Coconut Pumpkin Soup: Increase the amount of coconut milk to 1 cup for an even creamier, more coconut-forward flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Fat: 15-20g
- Protein: 5-7g
- Carbohydrates: 25-30g
This easy pumpkin soup recipe is a perfect example of delicious dishes that are also healthy and quick to prepare. It's a fantastic addition to your collection of homemade cooking recipes, ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions. Enjoy!